Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has launched its smart new lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery for aviation. The 28-volt battery is a game-changing development for the aviation industry in terms of weight saving, energy density, total cost of ownership (TCO), and CO2 emissions.

The new Li-ion battery, designed for back-up and powerful engine starting for business jets and helicopters, stores over twice the energy in the same weight and one and a half times the energy in the same volume than a lead acid battery. By switching to lithium-ion batteries, the total weight of a single aircraft could be reduced by 20 to 30 kilograms, with a positive impact on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

“For over 25 years, Saft has had an extensive pedigree in applying Li-ion battery technology for some of the world’s most demanding and extreme applications such as satellites, spacecraft, motor racing and defence,” says Annie Sennet, EVP, aerospace, defence and performance division. “We have a long track record in providing Li-ion technology for aviation with the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) and other commercial programmes. Our new lithium-ion battery for aviation utilises all this expertise, translating it into an innovative solution, long-awaited by the industry, that offers a safe, cost-effective, high performance and weight-saving alternative to lead-acid technology.”

Saft developed this new battery as a maintenance-free solution based on its own proprietary cell chemistry. Today, with over 20,000 units in the field operating within some of the harshest environments, each battery contains integrated smart capabilities to provide real-time battery health and status information. In addition, the battery features an aerospace-grade MIL-Spec interface as well as the vent and case that meet the thermal runaway containment requirements of DO-311A1.

As one of the few companies to own the entire process from design to production of a battery, Saft can ensure the highest level of safety and performance of its products and has developed this new offering at its R&D facilities in Cockeysville, US and Bordeaux, France. Saft will manufacture and qualify the battery to the highest standards at one of its existing aviation-certified facilities.